"You really are an idiot."Yaslyn made a simple, offhand complaint."What have I done to be called an idiot now?” Omar spun around in annoyance, directing a puzzled gaze at Xoan on the other side."What does she mean by that?"Xoan replied nonchalantly, "Anticipate early."Omar, whose grasp of English was already wobbly, was left utterly bewildered by Xoan's swift remark. "Americans really do have a perplexing way of speaking."Yaslyn rolled her eyes. "So, you're dumb. Once we're inside, you'd better stop chattering incessantly, or I'll have someone throw you out."Omar felt particularly aggrieved. After all, he was the son of an oil tycoon, wealthy enough to rival nations, but not only did Yaslyn not care about him, she even threatened to throw him out. He decided he would never seek her company again!The director of 'Death of a King' had been waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing Yaslyn, he approached her enthusiastically."Ms. Lyon, you're finally here! I've been waiting fo
Yaslyn had been underwater for quite some time without resurfacing, and Xoan started to feel uneasy.In principle, Yaslyn should not be playing such jokes, especially not late at night in deep lake water. It was even less plausible that she would purposely stay submerged. Xoan waved frantically at the camera, hoping to catch their attention.Meanwhile, Director Hawk and the others witneased such a passionate kiss that they all covered their eyes, not daring to watch. The one with the most exaggerated reaction was probably Zyra, who, seeing the two people embrace and kiss passionately, exclaimed, "This is just too sweet! I can’t take it!"Omar watched the two cling to each other, a trace of loss flickering in his eyes.Marcus patted Zyra on the head. "Little girl, can you show some restraint?""What restraint? It’s not like I’m the one kissing. I have a kissing scene with Henry too!"The thought of Zyra’s kissing scene with Henry made Marcus’s face sour. "Was it your first kiss?
Clutching Yaslyn, Xoan navigated the boat back to the shore. It was only then that the director and the others snapped back to reality and quickly dialed 911.Tears welled in Zyra's eyes as she lamented, "I'm so sorry. If I hadn't suggested that we shouldn't interrupt the young lovers earlier, it wouldn't have come to this."Zyra felt wholly responsible for the predicament, thinking that her own impulsive actions led to Yaslyn's state. With guilt weighing heavily on her, she cast her eyes downward."If you know your words can cause tragedies, then perhaps you should stay silent."Xoan’s words cut through the air, frosted with an icy sternness. Zyra flinched, tears streaming down her face. Watching Zyra's remorse, Marcus drew her into his embrace and comforted her."Bro, Zyra merely wished for you and Yaslyn to have an undisturbed moment. Do you have to be so harsh on her?"Xoan, realizing how cruel he was, softened his demeanor.However, Henry, focusing on the core of the matt
"Oh? If you're so fond of Sadie, why would you let her be with Xoan?"Yerick lowered his head. "Well, because love is about sacrifice."In his mind, Yerick sneered. 'Damn it, love is about sacrifice?'. Of course, he planned to snatch Sadie back. When Xoan was ruined, discredited, and has nothing left. Stepping on him, Sadie would surely return to his embrace. However, not anymore!"Alright, I get it. What's your plan for cooperation then?" Omar replied, growing a bit impatient.Seeing Omar's reaction, Yerick knew he had struck a chord. He continued, "The first thing we need to do is bring down the Warren Group. Tell me, if Xoan loses his financial power, do you think Yaslyn would still want to be with him?""It seems you've been scheming for a long time. Despite being friends for twenty years, you really do not value past affections.""What past affections are there to value? Achieving my goal is the most important thing." Yerick, confident of his impending victory, appeared si
"I need to discuss something, but if you're busy, never mind."Numerous thoughts flood Yaslyn's mind. At that hour in the bar, Wade was naturally seeking his former lover."Let's do this. I'll send Xora to you. She's nearly ready to go out on her own. If I do say so myself, she's truly a disciple worthy of my teaching. I—"Wade's voice trailed off.Yaslyn, uninterested in his rambling, promptly hangs up the phone.Wade thought to himself, 'That was so disrespectful!'Yaslyn looked at the two people beside her and laughed awkwardly. "Excuse me. "Henry, sensing his lingering presence was somewhat obstructive, rose to his feet. “I have some matters to attend to. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leavem"It was evident to any observer that Henry was merely seizing an opportunity to exit, not truly preoccupied with urgent matters.Xoan, content with his discretion, replied, "Alright, call me if there's anything. "Henry forced a smile since Xoan was the affectionate brother a
Yaslyn’s words stirred ripples in Xora’s heart."No."At this strained denial, Yaslyn’s heart filled with secret mirth. This young girl was not good at lying. She likely has not been in love, but she probably fancied someone."If that’s the case, so be it." Yaslyn, spreading her hands, continued, "I sought your help because I wanted to clarify something."Xora nodded, her expression unchanging. "I know. Wade told me about it.""That’s good. When do you think you could have some information?""Half a day."Yaslyn narrowed her eyes. "Half a day… Alright, come find me afterward, then."Xora merely hummed in response and left, not sparing Xoan a glance the entire time."This subordinate of yours… She's quite a quirky character." That was Xoan’s final assessment."Oh? Are you interested in my little girl?" Yaslyn grinned knowingly.Although Yaslyn did not say much, Xoan still detected a strong hint of jealousy. He laughed as he drew Yaslyn into his arms and teased her nose. "What
The sight of a familiar face greeted Henry, and he was about to greet her with a smile. However, upon noticing the platinum card in her hand, his expression changed instantaneously.He remembered this card. It was always in Yaslyn's wallet, unused. Why was it with Xora? Those keys matched Xoan’s usual decor style, too. How did she get them as well? Could it be…"A thief?" Henry quickly stepped forward and grabbed Xora's wrist anxiously. "Xora, why are you stealing? If you need money, just tell me. Wouldn’t I lend it to you? Return them now, or you'll go to jail if you're found!"Sweat was apparent on Henry's forehead as he was genuinely worried for Xora.Xora recognized him, finding it oddly amusing and absurd to hear him say those words. "Why would I tell you if I'm short of money?"Henry was at a loss for words, not understanding why Xora would say such a thing. He was stunned for a good while. "Stealing is fundamentally wrong, especially since you're stealing from my brother an
"I should have Xora remove this trending post now to avoid unnecessary complications," Yaslyn commented. While she did not fear such trivial matters, it ultimately involved the reputations of both Omar and Xoan. Yaslyn could not afford to take it lightly.However, Xoan raised a hand to stop Yaslyn. "No need. Restricting them prematurely will make it hard to uncover the real instigator. With Sadie and Yerick recently thwarted, who else could be manipulating everything from the shadows?"Yaslyn paused in thought. "You have a point.""Our priority is to bring this matter into the limelight, clarifying our relationship. That solves the problem, doesn’t it?"Xoan’s words were logical, and Yaslyn nodded. She immediately opened her social media app, intending to make her relationship with Xoan public."That’s not enough. Many people need more than this intangible information. The key is to engrave this matter permanently in their minds." Xoan looked at her and spoke earnestly, "Perhaps w
Whitey glanced back and forth between them, shaking her head. "You two are a mystery."Suddenly, Doniel stood and waved Whitey over. "Hey, Whitey. Come here for a second."Confused but compliant, Whitey walked over.In a swift move, Doniel took her hand. With a smug look at Matheo, he announced, "I'm taking Whitey off your hands for a bit."Matheo's expression turned steely. "What's your game?""Don't sweat it, she'll be back soon."With that, Doniel led Whitey out.They reached a more secluded spot before Doniel finally released her hand. "Whitey, you're not hurt, right?"Whitey shook her head, twirling in front of him to prove her point. "See? I'm totally fine."Doniel reached out and gently tapped her forehead. "Someone hit you, didn't they? Your face is still swollen, and here you are, telling me it's nothing."Whitey playfully stuck out her tongue. "I just didn't want you to worry. Besides, I'm not the one who got seriously hurt. It was Matheo.""I know. Matheo really d
"Don't make that call!" Whitey screamed in a panic.A harsh slap struck her face as the ringleader yelled, "Shut it, woman! Who said you could talk?"The man, not satisfied after hitting her, gave in to his fury and kicked her. However, before he knew it, Matheo, who was standing nearby, had silently moved behind him. Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed as Matheo snapped the man's fingers with raw force.Matheo wrapped his arms around Whitey and quickly retreated."I can't take it! I'm done. I don't want anything else. Just do it!"The ringleader was seething with rage, the throbbing in his fingers ruining his will to fight Matheo.A few thugs had been itching for a reason to go after Matheo, and they wasted no time grabbing their weapons and launching an assault.Matheo fought back while dragging Whitey out of harm's way, but as the fight dragged on, he started losing ground.A vicious knife cut to Matheo's leg sent him tumbling down with a grunt."Matheo!"Whitey crouched beside
Whitey shook her head. She did not have a clue, and even if she could guess, she did not know what to do about it."I was actually about to..."Before Matheo could finish, a deafening crash rang out.Startled, Whitey clapped her hands over her ears. Matheo wrapped her in his arms and glanced at the rear window.A random stone had shattered the car's back glass, leaving a gaping hole.The chaos erupted out of nowhere, catching both of them off guard. They had been deep in conversation when suddenly, a line of cars barricaded the road, trapping them.Matheo gently patted her head, a silent plea for calm.Whitey, frantic, nodded and fumbled for her phone, only to find it had mysteriously powered down."Stay put in the car and don't worry," Matheo said, handing her his phone."If things go south, call the cops, call anyone."He was ready to step out and face the unknown threat head-on.Whitey protested. "Matheo, we don't know what we're dealing with. Don't just rush out there."
Whitey was back to her usual routine—classes by day, radio station by night. However, she had a luxury she did not have previously. A private car service, ensuring her safety was never in question.Doniel's lips were sealed, not breathing a word of her injury to anyone. Except for Matheo, who had somehow stumbled upon the secret.That night, after her radio gig, Whitey stepped out expecting to see the familiar pink sports car tucked away in its usual spot. However, it was nowhere in sight.Moreover, he had not even bothered to call her. A knot of worry formed in her stomach. Did something happen to him?Whitey had called his number three, maybe four times, but got nothing.As she was wrestling with her thoughts, a familiar yet unsettling figure approached her.Matheo.Why was he there?Nobody knew about Whitey's job at the radio station except Doniel."Doniel's tied up today, so I'm your ride," Matheo said.Alarm bells rang in Whitey's head. How did Matheo know about Doniel
The nurse nodded, gesturing for Doniel to give them some space.Once the bandaging was complete, Doniel returned with a treat—Whitey's beloved chocolate cupcakes."For you. Why didn't you say it hurt? He was so rough, and yet you asked me not to hold it against him."Whitey, her mouth full of frosting, mumbled a reply. "It's not that bad. Besides, you two are usually on good terms. Why fight over pointless things because of me?"Doniel tapped her head gently. "You're such a goof. What are you even talking about? Meaningless things?""I just thought that you two grew up together, so it'd be a shame to fall out over something so small, right?"Doniel huffed, "I never really cared for him, you know.""Okay, let's figure out a plan B. This mess means I might be stuck in the hospital longer, so I'm counting on you to smooth things over back home."Doniel looked at her with a teasing grin. "Relax, I've got this."Somehow, Whitey could always pick up a strange vibe from his smile, an
Whitey was injured, and Doniel rushed her to the hospital that very night. It was just a slash on her arm, but Doniel was beside himself with worry.Watching Whitey grit her teeth through the stitching, Doniel's face turned a shade of stormy gray. "I'll track down that driver's family if it's the last thing I do!"Whitey winced in pain, but seeing Doniel's fury, she tried to soothe him. "Really, it's not so bad."Doniel looked at her bandaged arm. "Thirteen stitches, Whitey. If you're not in pain, I'm in pain for both of us."Whitey was always the center of attention—a princess who was doted on from the day she was born. She had never experienced an injury as severe as that. As Doniel reached for his phone to call Whitey's parents, she quickly stopped him with a hand gesture, wincing as she accidentally grazed her wound, "Please don't call them. They'll just scold me again if they find out.""I told you to let me drive you home. Now, look at what happened because you didn't li
Whitey gripped the edge of her skirt, a new kind of worry blooming in her chest.'What if Matheo was…'She shuddered at the thought, her mind a garden where fears grew into giant oaks, so tall and dark that they scared her.Looking up again, Whitey's eyes widened as she noticed the taxi had taken a wrong turn, heading into unfamiliar territory.In the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of the driver's unsettling smirk.Taking a cab late at night was proving to be a bad idea, her heart racing with fear. If only she had accepted a ride from Doniel, none of that would happen. Regret washed over her as she scrambled for her phone, desperate to call for help.Sensing her panic, the driver floored it to a secluded spot and then abruptly stopped the car.Whitey's head snapped forward, hitting the seat, and as the world spun, her phone slipped from her grasp. Then, the driver was toying with her phone, his grin wide and wicked."Planning to call the cops or a friend, sweetheart?""
As time swiftly marched on, three years went by.Whitey nailed her entrance exam into the top university in Jefferson City—Jefferson City University.As for the others, Caleb turned 30, tied the knot, had kids, and took control of Sheldon's international ventures. He and his family packed up and moved overseas, while the rest stayed back."Thanks for tuning into 'Moonlit Wishes,' your go-to spot for all things heartfelt. I'm your host, Macie."At the stroke of ten, Macie's soothing voice filled the evening airwaves."Let's hear from our first caller tonight. Hey there, sir, what's on your mind?"Macie's voice was soothing, soft yet strong enough to coax secrets from the most guarded of hearts."Here's the thing, Macie. I've been head over heels for this girl, but she's always kept me at arm's length, saying I haven't done enough. However, today, I caught her in another guy's arms. What gives?"The man's voice quivered with barely concealed tears, slurred slightly by alcohol.M
"So, just because you're into him, you decide to set me up? How does that make any sense?"Whitey could not help but find her logic almost laughable."Because I noticed he always had a soft spot for you, jealousy clouded my judgment, and that's why I..."Jade inhaled deeply, as if bracing herself for what was to come. "Well, you've uncovered the truth, so there's no point in hiding anything. Punish me however you see fit."What was the point in pleading guilty then?Jade stood there, a mix of defiance and dignity, stubborn even in the face of her mistake.Whitey was not looking to lay blame. "I'm not going to take this to the principal, and I won't breathe a word of it to anyone else. However, as of today, our friendship is done. I'll find a new place to sit when we get back."Whitey let out a tired sigh. "There's something else you should know. He's got a girlfriend now."Jade's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, are you two an item now?""No, I'm not the one he's dating."Wi